Let’s compare the old BMW i3 (60 Ah) with the new BMW i3 (94 Ah):

• NEDC range: 190 km vs 300 km (20-inch wheels), 110 km more

With 19-inch wheels the NEDC increases to 312 km. The real world range is estimated to increase from 130 km to 200 km.

• Battery capacity in kWh (gross/net): 21,6/18,8 vs 33,2/27,2

The new i3 only uses 82 % of the total battery capacity to improve its lifespan.

• Battery rated voltage: 360 V vs 353 V

This may mean that the i3 no longer uses 96 cells connected in series, I guess now there are 94 cells in the battery pack.

• DC fast charging is still capped at 50 kW

This is the most disappointing feature, I was expecting an increase to 75 kW.

• AC charging is now possible at 11 kW (16A, 3-phase)

22 kW would be better, but 11 kW means 2:45 h to charge at home, not bad! In the USA where 3-phase electricity is scarce, the fastest option is 7,4 kW.

• Weight: 1.205 kg vs 1.245 kg, 40 kg more

The increased weight made the new i3 marginally slower.

I’ll just make some considerations about the Range Extender version.

• It’s less aerodynamic than the BEV version, 0,30 Cd vs 0,29 Cd. I’m guessing it’s because of the tail pipe.

• The new version is just  25 kg heavier than before, 1.340 kg vs 1.365 kg.

• In NEDC the new Range Extender version is more energy efficient than the BEV version. 11,3 kWh/100 km vs 12,6 kWh/100 km. What the hell?! It’s heavier, less aerodynamic and still it’s more efficient?!

The new i3 will have its first deliveries happing in July, but it’s not until September that most of the new deliveries will start to happen.

The Range Extender version with its 330 km real world range can take some buyers from the upcoming all-electric Chevrolet Bolt.

Regarding price the new version will only get a minor price increase, because the i3 is already an expensive car.

“The prices of the BMW i3 models in Germany are:

• BMW i3 (60Ah): 34.950 € (BEV), 39.950 € (REX)
• BMW i3 (94Ah): 36.150 € (BEV), 41.150 € (REX)”

 

The good news is that current owners will be able to upgrade the battery.

For more technical details check the second link below.

More info:

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/m/pcgl/pressDetail.html?title=more-range-high-level-dynamic-performance-bmw-i-expands-its-model-range-for-the-bmw-i3-bmw-i3-94-ah&outputChannelId=6&id=T0259480EN

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0259598EN/358319

http://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=2617&mid=

• Author
• Recent Posts

Pedro Lima

On this blog I try to provide interesting information about battery technologies that otherwise wouldn't be available to the public. Given the secrecy around this topic, sometimes I need to do a mix of investigator work with some educated guesses. Journalists that wish to use or translate my articles to other languages are free to do so.

Latest posts by Pedro Lima (see all)

• Cobalt-free LFP batteries are gaining traction - 11/07/2020
• Modern Panasonic prismatic battery cells - 03/07/2020
• June was a record-breaking month for the Renault ZOE - 02/07/2020